The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David P. Newton. Newton was born in Birmingham, Alabama 2 December 1915. In 1937 he enrolled in the Birmingham School of Law, graduating and passing the bar examination in 1942. He was inducted into the US Army in 1943 and had basic training at Camp Wolters, Texas. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to the 346th Harbor Craft Company. Traveling to Finschhafen, New Guinea he was assigned to a port battalion as a deck officer. He tells of the battalion commander assigning him as the defense counsel for a pending court martial trial. He outlines in detail the cause of the trial and of the favorable ruling rendered toward his client. Soon thereafter, he was sent to Hollandia, New Guinea and assigned to a small boat used for evacuation of wounded from shore. He recalls being part of the invasion force during the landing at Tacloban, Leyte and participating in the evacuation of the wounded. He recollects being ordered to report to the War Crimes Commission in Tokyo in October 1945. He was appointed as a special investigator/prosecutor into the operations of a number of prisoner …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David P. Newton. Newton was born in Birmingham, Alabama 2 December 1915. In 1937 he enrolled in the Birmingham School of Law, graduating and passing the bar examination in 1942. He was inducted into the US Army in 1943 and had basic training at Camp Wolters, Texas. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and assigned to the 346th Harbor Craft Company. Traveling to Finschhafen, New Guinea he was assigned to a port battalion as a deck officer. He tells of the battalion commander assigning him as the defense counsel for a pending court martial trial. He outlines in detail the cause of the trial and of the favorable ruling rendered toward his client. Soon thereafter, he was sent to Hollandia, New Guinea and assigned to a small boat used for evacuation of wounded from shore. He recalls being part of the invasion force during the landing at Tacloban, Leyte and participating in the evacuation of the wounded. He recollects being ordered to report to the War Crimes Commission in Tokyo in October 1945. He was appointed as a special investigator/prosecutor into the operations of a number of prisoner …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ike Kampmann. Kampmann was born in San Antonio, Texas on 2 October 1918 and graduated from the University of Texas, Austin with a law degree. In the spring of 1945 when he was stationed at 6th Army Headquarters at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon Island, Philippines, he was attached to the Staff Officer for Personnel (G-1) as the Army was making its move toward Manila. The commanding general, Lieutenant General Walter Krueger, appointed him to a military commission defending four Japanese soldiers who had been caught behind Allied lines in civilian clothes. Kampmann was the least experienced of the six officers on the commission. The four were found guilty and hanged. Subsequently, he was appointed aide-de-camp to General Krueger. For the duration of the interview he expresses remorse over the trial’s outcome.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ike Kampmann. Kampmann was born in San Antonio, Texas on 2 October 1918 and graduated from the University of Texas, Austin with a law degree. In the spring of 1945 when he was stationed at 6th Army Headquarters at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon Island, Philippines, he was attached to the Staff Officer for Personnel (G-1) as the Army was making its move toward Manila. The commanding general, Lieutenant General Walter Krueger, appointed him to a military commission defending four Japanese soldiers who had been caught behind Allied lines in civilian clothes. Kampmann was the least experienced of the six officers on the commission. The four were found guilty and hanged. Subsequently, he was appointed aide-de-camp to General Krueger. For the duration of the interview he expresses remorse over the trial’s outcome.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jean Balch. Balch was born in Abilene, Texas and was attending Hardin-Simmons University in 1941. On 8 December, he volunteered for duty in the Navy, but was too young. He joined later that spring. He trained as a radioman and gunner before being assigned the USS Yorktown (CV-10) in the fall of 1944. Balch mentions striking targets in the Philippines and on Formosa in late 1944. On one bombing mission over Hong Kong, China, the plane Balch was in was hit, forcing him to bail out. He landed among some Chinese civilians. In a short time, Balch was captured by Japanese soldiers. After several days, he was transported to Ofuna. Balch recalls several anecdotes about life as a prisoner of war in Japan. He mentions other POWs and tells stories about various guards. When the war ended, Balch was placed aboard the hospital ship USS Benevolence (AH-13). After the war, Balch returned to Tokyo to testify at the war crime trials.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jean Balch. Balch was born in Abilene, Texas and was attending Hardin-Simmons University in 1941. On 8 December, he volunteered for duty in the Navy, but was too young. He joined later that spring. He trained as a radioman and gunner before being assigned the USS Yorktown (CV-10) in the fall of 1944. Balch mentions striking targets in the Philippines and on Formosa in late 1944. On one bombing mission over Hong Kong, China, the plane Balch was in was hit, forcing him to bail out. He landed among some Chinese civilians. In a short time, Balch was captured by Japanese soldiers. After several days, he was transported to Ofuna. Balch recalls several anecdotes about life as a prisoner of war in Japan. He mentions other POWs and tells stories about various guards. When the war ended, Balch was placed aboard the hospital ship USS Benevolence (AH-13). After the war, Balch returned to Tokyo to testify at the war crime trials.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Rich. Rich was born in Cape Elizabeth, Maine on 5 August 1917. He completed high school in 1935 and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1939. Following graduation, he worked as a newspaper reporter and interviewed survivors of the USS Reuben James (DD-245), which was sunk by a German U-boat in 1941. In early 1941, he attended the University of Colorado and spent a year studying the Japanese language. In 1942, he joined the Marine Corps. While at boot camp in Camp Pendleton, California he was selected to join the 4th Marine Division and was sent to Camp Savage, Minnesota where he attended the US Army language school. On 3 January 1944 the division sailed from San Diego and landed on Kwajalein. Rich tells of his first meeting with the enemy as an interpreter. He also relates his experiences during the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. Following the surrender of Japan, he was discharged and went to work as a reporter for International News Service. As such, he attended the War Crimes Trials of general s Masaharu Homma and Hideki Tojo. Rich also relates his experiences …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Rich. Rich was born in Cape Elizabeth, Maine on 5 August 1917. He completed high school in 1935 and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1939. Following graduation, he worked as a newspaper reporter and interviewed survivors of the USS Reuben James (DD-245), which was sunk by a German U-boat in 1941. In early 1941, he attended the University of Colorado and spent a year studying the Japanese language. In 1942, he joined the Marine Corps. While at boot camp in Camp Pendleton, California he was selected to join the 4th Marine Division and was sent to Camp Savage, Minnesota where he attended the US Army language school. On 3 January 1944 the division sailed from San Diego and landed on Kwajalein. Rich tells of his first meeting with the enemy as an interpreter. He also relates his experiences during the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. Following the surrender of Japan, he was discharged and went to work as a reporter for International News Service. As such, he attended the War Crimes Trials of general s Masaharu Homma and Hideki Tojo. Rich also relates his experiences …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Walter Stuek. Stueck was born in St. Louis, Missouri 28 May 1921. Upon enlisting in the Army Air Forces in May 1942, he was sent to Santa Ana, California to begin eight weeks of pre-flight training which was followed by three months of primary training at Oxnard. While making his first flight in a P-40 fighter, the plane suffered a complete electrical failure resulting in a controlled crash landing at Luke Army Airfield. He was then sent to Tactical Reconnaissance School at Meridian, Mississippi where he flew a variety of aircraft including the P-51, P-40 and P-39 fighter aircraft. He then went to Europe where he began flying P-38s. He recalls his third combat mission, when due to a loss of both engines he crash landed destroying the plane and becoming slightly injured. As he was recovering, General Charles de Gaulle spoke to him inquiring about his health. During another mission, he was shot down and bailed out, landing in a mine field. An American soldier came to his aid and guided him to safety. On another mission, he was attacked by an ME-163 German rocket powered plane. …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Walter Stuek. Stueck was born in St. Louis, Missouri 28 May 1921. Upon enlisting in the Army Air Forces in May 1942, he was sent to Santa Ana, California to begin eight weeks of pre-flight training which was followed by three months of primary training at Oxnard. While making his first flight in a P-40 fighter, the plane suffered a complete electrical failure resulting in a controlled crash landing at Luke Army Airfield. He was then sent to Tactical Reconnaissance School at Meridian, Mississippi where he flew a variety of aircraft including the P-51, P-40 and P-39 fighter aircraft. He then went to Europe where he began flying P-38s. He recalls his third combat mission, when due to a loss of both engines he crash landed destroying the plane and becoming slightly injured. As he was recovering, General Charles de Gaulle spoke to him inquiring about his health. During another mission, he was shot down and bailed out, landing in a mine field. An American soldier came to his aid and guided him to safety. On another mission, he was attacked by an ME-163 German rocket powered plane. …

Transcript of an oral interview with Ivan E. Davies. Born in 1921, he joined the Navy and was assigned to the B-2 hangar deck division on USS Enterprise (CV-6) in 1943. He describes the flight deck after the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. He discusses his subsequent assignment to the mess deck as well as his assignment as aircraft elevator operator. He describes a shooting accident on the hangar deck; an aircraft landing accident; and a fire on the flight deck. He talks about kamikazes and the damage sustained by the USS Enterprise. He shares an anecdote about clearing the stacks of the USS Enterprise. He also shares stories about Edward “Butch” O’Hare, pilot and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. After the war Davies was assigned to Alameda Naval Air Station, California. He was discharged in 1945. The interview also includes information about his childhood during the Depression.

Transcript of an oral interview with Ivan E. Davies. Born in 1921, he joined the Navy and was assigned to the B-2 hangar deck division on USS Enterprise (CV-6) in 1943. He describes the flight deck after the Great Marianas Turkey Shoot. He discusses his subsequent assignment to the mess deck as well as his assignment as aircraft elevator operator. He describes a shooting accident on the hangar deck; an aircraft landing accident; and a fire on the flight deck. He talks about kamikazes and the damage sustained by the USS Enterprise. He shares an anecdote about clearing the stacks of the USS Enterprise. He also shares stories about Edward “Butch” O’Hare, pilot and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. After the war Davies was assigned to Alameda Naval Air Station, California. He was discharged in 1945. The interview also includes information about his childhood during the Depression.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with A J Durham. Durham joined the Navy in February of 1943. He served with Composite Squadron 55 (VC-55). After basic training, Durham worked at the Naval Air Station in Astoria, Oregon and unloaded ammunition ships. He later served with the Ordnance Department, synchronizing 30 caliber machine guns aboard TBMs. Durham transferred to Composite Squadron 4 (VC-4), and completed Torpedo School, and served as a Torpedo man and an Aviation Ordnance Mate aboard a TBF Avenger. In April of 1944, he began serving aboard USS White Plains (CVE-66) and recalls his experiences aboard the carrier during invasions of the Mariana and Palau Islands, and through the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Durham remained aboard during Operation MAGIC CARPET, returning troops back to the US. He continued his service in the Reserves, receiving his discharge in the early 1950s.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with A J Durham. Durham joined the Navy in February of 1943. He served with Composite Squadron 55 (VC-55). After basic training, Durham worked at the Naval Air Station in Astoria, Oregon and unloaded ammunition ships. He later served with the Ordnance Department, synchronizing 30 caliber machine guns aboard TBMs. Durham transferred to Composite Squadron 4 (VC-4), and completed Torpedo School, and served as a Torpedo man and an Aviation Ordnance Mate aboard a TBF Avenger. In April of 1944, he began serving aboard USS White Plains (CVE-66) and recalls his experiences aboard the carrier during invasions of the Mariana and Palau Islands, and through the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Durham remained aboard during Operation MAGIC CARPET, returning troops back to the US. He continued his service in the Reserves, receiving his discharge in the early 1950s.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jodie Lander. Lander was born in December of 1923. In 1943 he was drafted into the Army, and volunteered for parachute training. Lander was assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry, and transported to Belfast, Ireland. He describes some of the action encountered after landing during Operation Overlord in June of 1944, and Operation Market Garden in September.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jodie Lander. Lander was born in December of 1923. In 1943 he was drafted into the Army, and volunteered for parachute training. Lander was assigned to the 508th Parachute Infantry, and transported to Belfast, Ireland. He describes some of the action encountered after landing during Operation Overlord in June of 1944, and Operation Market Garden in September.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Tatum. Tatum joined the Navy in January 1942 and trained at Norfolk. He trained in aerial gunnery and as an airplane mechanic. In 1943, he was assigned to VT-37 and went aboard the USS Sangamon (CVE-26). One day, a plane crashed on the flight deck, seriously injuring Tatum and blowing him into the water. He stayed with the ship through the Battle of Leyte Gulf before being assigned to advanced mechanic school in Washington State, where he was when the war ended. He mustered out in December, 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Tatum. Tatum joined the Navy in January 1942 and trained at Norfolk. He trained in aerial gunnery and as an airplane mechanic. In 1943, he was assigned to VT-37 and went aboard the USS Sangamon (CVE-26). One day, a plane crashed on the flight deck, seriously injuring Tatum and blowing him into the water. He stayed with the ship through the Battle of Leyte Gulf before being assigned to advanced mechanic school in Washington State, where he was when the war ended. He mustered out in December, 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Vernon Ollar. Ollar was working at the Rock Island Arsenal when the war started. He was already married with a child when he was drafted into the Army in late 1942. Ollar was attached to B Company in the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion and proceeded to train with them. In late 1943, Ollar was shipped to England for more training prior to the invasion of Normandy. He recalls fighting in the hedgerows, fighting at St. Lo and liberating Paris. He fought all the way into Germany. In late 1945, Ollar returned to the US and was discharged.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Vernon Ollar. Ollar was working at the Rock Island Arsenal when the war started. He was already married with a child when he was drafted into the Army in late 1942. Ollar was attached to B Company in the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion and proceeded to train with them. In late 1943, Ollar was shipped to England for more training prior to the invasion of Normandy. He recalls fighting in the hedgerows, fighting at St. Lo and liberating Paris. He fought all the way into Germany. In late 1945, Ollar returned to the US and was discharged.